New York emerald shiner bait situation

[jimski2]

Bait dealers have the high priced non native specie golden shiners since the certified Wisconsin emerald shiners can not survive the transport with the high temperatures. The dealers can not have both certified and uncertified bait so we are screwed there again. Most fellows are getting their bait themselves and the pinhead emeralds should start appearing shortly. We used to catch our minnows this time of year out deep with the use of Coleman White Gas Lanterns at night and with the clear waters and lanterns it might be our best alternative. Artificial minnows I have no real successful reports but you could try them. They are available at most Crappie lure internet sites.

[Jimmyi]

Jimski,

When you went out deep to catch minnows, what type and how big of a net did you use?

Jim

[jimski2]

We used a long handled round minnow mesh net, DEC has rules on personal use bait nets at their site.